Gas mileage is good, if not exceptional, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for automatic-transmission models. The Spectra range is loaded with airbags, including full-length curtain bags. The interiors are nicely appointed, very roomy for the class, and relatively well equipped, although air conditioning costs extra on the base LX model. Like all Kia and Hyundai offerings, the Spectra and the Spectra5 offer good value. The car will be replaced by a new model that’s due in the fall of 2009. All Spectras are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The Spectra5 is only available in upscale SX trim and begins at about $17,000. Base pricing starts at less than $14,000 and rises to $16,750. The Spectra sedan is offered in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX. The Spectra is available as a sedan and also a hatchback known as the Spectra5. My little car is paid for, demands no repairs, and is super-cheap to drive.The Spectra is Kia’s rival to the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus, the bestsellers in the compact class. Other friends of mine are either paying a lot in gas, have car payments, or constantly fixing this or that. Plus, it's really cute and still looks modern, despite it being 8 years old now. So, I will have no issue selling this car to another buyer for a good price as there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Despite the report is that the resale value is low, quite a few folks are waiting in the wings to take this car away if/when I ever sell it - that's because I do brag occasionally about how great my little Spectra5 is. Currently hoping to replace it for another Spectra5 with fewer miles (these cars are hard to find but a real gem if you can find one). Only maintenance has been a new battery, timing chain replaced (as scheduled maintenance), regular oil changes each 5,000 miles (synthetic). My Kia (even after all these miles) runs like a top. It's now got 176,000 miles, and still just perfect: engine purrs, no oil leaks, no loud noise on acceleration (not sure what others are reporting), transmission and drive-train are perfect, and if you let your hands off the steering wheel, it stays straight in your lane with no pulling. My only qualm is that it's a little lower to the ground than I'd like. Great visibility as there are minimal blind spots. The turning radius is great, and it's peppy enough to get me around through traffic just fine. This little love of a car holds tons of stuff, and has been such a charm. I get 30 mpg city driving (no freeways) if I don't lead-foot, and 22 mpg if I do. Really appreciate that it drives the same every day - it has a few quirks, but those never change - you just get in and go. Throughout, it has been super reliable and has needed very little maintenance. Standard five-speed manual transmission.138-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-four with 136 pounds-feet of torque.Like the SX sedan, the Spectra5 gets a sport-tuned suspension. Power windows and locks with remote keyless entry.Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.Passenger volume is 98 cubic feet, which makes the hatch slightly more spacious than the Mazda3 and Matrix. The hatchback has a folding backseat that can expand cargo volume beyond the basic 18.3 cubic feet to 52.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Body-colored mirrors, handles and bumpers.The Spectra5 is about the same size as the Matrix, while the Mazda3 is a bit longer. They’re both 68.3 inches wide, but the hatch is about 6 inches shorter at 171.3 inches long. The Spectra sedan and Spectra5 hatchback are similar in appearance. The Spectra5 adds active head restraints that tilt forward in the event of a rear collision, greatly reducing the possibility of neck injury. Notable competitors include the Toyota Matrix and Mazda3 hatchback. The Spectra5 competes with several models in a growing market of small hatchbacks. A version of Kia’s Spectra sedan, the SX, features equipment that’s similar to the Spectra5 the Spectra sedan is listed separately in the Research section. Kia’s Spectra5 hatchback, which is meant to attract younger buyers, is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension.
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